Whernside

As the highest of the Yorkshire Three Peaks, hiking up Whernside is a popular adventure and one of staggering beauty as the surrounding landscapes are perfectly laid out before you. At 2,415 feet (736 m), you’ll find a choice of hiking trails up Whernside ranging from steep to more gradual and each with fantastic views. 

This much-loved mountain sits in the west of the Yorkshire Dales National Park and, as a result, on a clear day you can not only see the Dales to the west, but also Morecambe Bay to the east, the Forest of Bowland and the Lake District. 

Yomping up the Yorkshire Dales’ highest mountain

Hiking Whernside doesn’t involve any technical trails and this ridge is easy to access from several points. The summit path is clear and you’ll find the terrain grassy with a low stone wall alongside for much of the ridge. 

A right of way path traverses the ridge but you can explore other paths freely and they cross open access land. Dotted with pot holes and caves, take extra care if you find yourself off a path at any point. 

Streams and waterfalls cascade off Whernside’s behemoth sides and if you hike from the south, Ribblehead Viaduct is an absolutely breathtaking sight, particularly if a steam train happens to be chortling along. The falls at Force Gill make for a beautiful marker that you’re making progress and remember to look south and south east to see Ingleborough and Pen-y-Ghent, Whernside’s sister peaks, not far away. 

During winter, Whernside often experiences snow and its most popular route is considered one of the best for those new to hiking in the white stuff. Proper winter equipment is still required though and conditions can become dangerous.

Campsites, hotels and restaurants can all be found easily in the area.